ANDY AVALOS FORMALLY INTRODUCED AS DUCKS NEW DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR – “It’s a very exciting place to be around right now and I’m excited to be a part of it”

On Monday in the Hatfield Dowlin Complex Andy Avalos was formally introduced as Oregon’s defensive coordinator and newest member of head coach Mario Cristobal’s staff.

“Initially that’s how I met coach” explained Avalos when asked about his first meeting with Cristobal at the Las Vegas Bowl a year ago and if that meeting influenced his decision to make the change to Oregon.

“Just getting to know coach and having conversations with him and things like that and being able to expand our relationship out on the recruiting trail,…running into each other and stuff like that,…so yes I think it did.

“The tradition,….the tradition of Oregon. There’s been a long line of coaches that’s come from Oregon to Boise State where I formerly was and the brand. The excitement here that coach Cristobal is bringing. I think there’s a lot that coach is doing and it’s a very exciting place to be around right now and excited to be a part of it.”

What certainly was on everyone’s mind was what Avalos will bring to the Oregon defense in regards to style and fit.

“I think number one, defense always starts with mentality,…fundamentals and mentality make the scheme” said Avalos.

“I think coach ( Cristobal ) is definitely building that mentality here and is looking for that within our defense. Our defensive staff,…that’s one of our first priorities is establish a consistent mentality, not only on the field but how we prepare. How we prepare in the film room,…how we prepare in the weight room and obviously how we train on the field is how we want to play.”

Avalos has spent the three previous seasons at Boise State as the Broncos defensive coordinator. He transformed the Bronco defense into a unit that ranked 10th nationally last season in sacks per game, ( 3.0 ) and 20th in turnovers forced with a total of 24.

Avalos was also a star linebacker at BSU where he played from 2001 – 2004. Prior to becoming the defensive coordinator at Boise State, Avalos coached the linebackers as well as the defensive line.